CA SB1380

Requires state agencies and departments funding housing or housing-related services for homeless persons to adopt guidelines incorporating Housing First principles by July 1, 2019, which prioritize rapid placement into permanent housing without preconditions like sobriety or treatment completion.

Establishes the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council to oversee Housing First implementation, coordinate resources across state agencies and local governments, and develop strategies to end homelessness in California.

Defines Housing First core components including tenant screening practices that accept applicants regardless of substance use history, lease protections, harm-reduction philosophy, and evidence-based case management services.

Council composition includes up to 15 members appointed by the Governor representing relevant state departments, local housing agencies, the private sector, formerly homeless persons, and representatives appointed by the Legislature.

Council directed to create statewide data system linking homelessness data to state programs like Medi-Cal and CalWORKS, coordinate funding applications, and identify federal and philanthropic funding opportunities.